Small Estates
Laws and legal information about simple probate procedures for small estates
Laws and legal information about simple probate procedures for small estates
In general, when someone dies, the estate must go through probate which can be a complicated and lengthy process. But many states provide less complicated options for smaller estates.Virginia law provides for simplified probate when the value of an estate that consists only of personal property does not exceed $50,000.00. Heirs or beneficiaries who are to inherit property from the decedent may use an affidavit identifying the assets they are entitled to. After a waiting period of 60 days, the beneficiaries simply present the affidavit to the holders of the decedent's property and it will be transferred to them. This procedure may also be used when amounts of less than $15,000 are due the decedent:for wagesfor union death benefitsfor state or federal benefitsfor securitiesfrom a trust or estate orfor a vessel registered with the U.S. Bureau of Customs. Read more
In general, when someone dies, the estate must go through probate which can be a complicated and lengthy process. But many states provide less complicated options for smaller estates.Click below to learn more about the small estate procedures available in your state. Alabama Illinois Montana Puerto Rico Alaska Indiana Nebraska Rhode Island Arizona Iowa Nevada South Carolina Arkansas Kansas New Hampshire South Dakota California Kentucky New Jersey Tennessee Colorado Louisiana New Mexico Texas Connecticut Maine New York Utah Delaware Maryland North Carolina Vermont District of Columbia Massachusetts North Dakota Virginia Florida Michigan Ohio Washington GeorgiaMinnesota Oklahoma West Virginia Hawaii Mississippi Oregon Wisconsin Idaho Missouri Pennsylvania Wyoming Read more